Brad Guzan: “You just have to be ready, because football is cut-throat and if you don’t take your chance when it comes, someone else will."

Aston Villa: Brad Guzan has the backing of Jurgen Klinsmann and aims to seize the moment

Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan will take his claret and blue confidence into international duty tonight – with a ringing endorsement from America coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

With regular US stopper Tim Howard out
injured, Guzan sees the World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rico, in Colorado, tonight and Mexico, in Mexico City, on Tuesday as chances to stake a claim for the No.1 jersey.

The
28-year-old, who has been in fine form during Villa’s relegation battle, will be boosted by kind words from Klinsmann ahead of the double-header.

“We have one thousand per cent faith in Brad Guzan,” said Klinsmann. “We’re not worried about that situation at all.”

Guzan is determined to make the most of his opportunities, but insists helping Villa to safety remains his No.1 priority.

“First and foremost it is taking care of business here with Aston Villa,” he said.

“It is massively important we continue to get good results. With those results the other stuff will take care of itself.

“Tim Howard has a bit of an injury so now I start to turn my focus towards the qualifiers, which are huge for us.

“Hopefully I can carry on and get good results in my next few games. You can’t let nerves in, they can’t help.

‘‘This is a chance for me to use what I’ve learned in the last months.

“You
just have to be ready, because football is cut-throat and if you don’t take your chance when it comes, someone else will. Now’s the time for me
to step up.’’